The ongoing military conflict in Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, involves a coalition led by the United States and Israel conducting airstrikes and operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities, including its ballistic missile program, nuclear sites, and leadership structures. The strikes have resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials, escalating into a broader regional war.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases, embassies, and allied infrastructure across the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain.
The conflict has drawn in proxies and allies, with no clear end in sight, though U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested it could last around four weeks.
Primary Opposing Sides
Side 1: Iran and Its Allies (Axis of Resistance)
- Iran (Islamic Republic): The central target, led by remaining IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) elements and military leadership. Iran has launched widespread retaliatory strikes, closed the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt global oil flows, and deployed advanced drones, including first-person view (FPV) models for the first time.
Internal pro-regime forces are clashing with anti-regime protesters, adding a domestic dimension that could evolve into civil unrest.
- Hezbollah (Lebanon): Actively involved, with Israeli strikes targeting their positions in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has entered the conflict, firing on Israeli forces and contributing to the regional escalation.
- Iranian-Backed Militias: Groups like Shiite militias from Iraq have deployed fighters into Iran to suppress protests and support the regime.
These include broader proxy networks across the Middle East, such as those in Yemen (Houthis, though less prominently mentioned in recent reports) and Syria, united against U.S. and Israeli presence.
- Broader Support: Russia and China have reportedly sided with Iran diplomatically, opposing Western intervention and potentially providing indirect support.
Sunni militant groups, like those historically opposed to Israel, have shown some alignment with Shia proxies in this context.
This side focuses on asymmetric warfare, including missile barrages and proxy attacks, aiming to overwhelm defenses and disrupt energy supplies.
